Dratted Crimp Beads

I've never heard of that definition before, but what I have certainly sounds like what you are describing as "Asian" crimps. They will squash into perfectly flat squares fairly easily and they don't like to be folded too many times. They also can't be "popped open" again, once crimped, as can some others I've used. Maybe I'll try using my regular pliers on them - I've only ever used them in the crimping pliers because....well, you know the "following sheep" theory..... I just never thought outside the box! LOL Thanks for your insight!

Suedo (like "pseudo", though I'm no phony baloney!)

;-O I'm sooooooooooo sorry, Ang!!!!! Rats! I'll see if I can wave my magic bead wand and remove the curse!

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I find they're extremely brittle, which is why they can't be folded.

I don't have crimping pliers (well not the "regular" ones :P ) but judging by how brittle they are I couldn't imagine there'd be any advantage in using them.

I don't use them to "finish" a piece but, like I said before, to "hold" beads in "floating" necklaces. You just have to be careful that you get the thread in the centre of the "square" you end up with.

I mash the crimp just enough that the wire (tigertail - so sue me!) get's "caught" in the crimp, but not so tight that I can't adjust it if it's crooked. Then, when I'm satisified, I sqush the little bugger into place. :)

I don't know how durable these crimps are under "normal wear and tear" however. That they're so brittle worries me a little bit.